Erin Konrad
Arts Editor

For most University of La Verne students, this past week has marked the end of a relaxing summer and sparked a begrudging trip back to what will most likely be a stressful semester of studying.

Luckily the Campus Activ­ities Board and the Associated Students of University of La Verne organized a fun, excitement-charged “Welcome Week” to help ease the transition from summer fun to fall studies.

“It was a great way to bring all the students together and a cool way to kick off a new school year,” Ami Smith, a junior broadcasting major, said.
Each day offered enjoyable and entertaining events for all students to participate in.

CAB’s first movie night of the year was “Knocked Up,” the hilarious summer comedy that brought out more than 80 students.

On Sept. 3 nearly 100 students gathered in Leo’s Den for a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament.

Poker hands were dealt, and a winner was finally declared after many rounds of the game.

The following day offered students a chance to get away from the first-day-of-school blues with a musician who entertained a lunch crowd of more than 200 people at Davenport Dining Hall.

That same evening students were invited to dance the night away at the “Pajama Jam” with one twist – all participants had to come wearing their favorite pj’s.

More than 150 people came and boogied before it was time to retire in preparation for the second day of classes.

One of the most anticipated events in ULV history has always been the ice cream social and karaoke nights.

This fall semester started out no differently.

Almost 120 students showed up to Davenport between 9 p.m. and midnight.

“Most people didn’t want to leave,” Michelle Ajemian, CAB executive chair, said.

“They wanted to keep singing,” Ajemian said.

An off-campus adventure to Boomers in Upland took place on Sept. 6, sponsored by the College Panhellenic Associ­ation and Intrafraternity Council.

An estimated 170 ULV students played games to their heart’s content.

“Boomers was one of my favorite nights because there was so much to do, like bumper boats, [the] ferris wheel and cosmic golf,” Smith said.

The event ended around midnight after creating a pleasant joint effort that united the Greeks – perfect timing since recruitment is approaching next week.

The welcome back barbecue was a perfect avenue for reuniting classmates and enjoying the cool La Verne weather in the early evening of Sept. 7.

Dylan Haro’s band played to a crowd of around 200 people in Sneaky Park.

The week’s final event occurred in Founders Auditor­ium at 7:30 p.m that same night.

The hypnotist Dr. Trance, who performed last year, returned to ULV to wow students again with his tricks.

More than 125 people witnessed the mesmerizing show as several students were brought up on stage and hypnotized in front of the cheering audience.

CAB and all of the ULV clubs and organizations did a spectacular job transitioning students back into the fun side of being on campus.

Most students are still wishing they did not have to set their alarm clocks and that exams were still a distant nightmare.

Have no fear, there are many activities in store for the semester.

Next up: World Series of Pop Culture on Tuesday at 10 p.m. in Davenport.

Erin Konrad can be reached at ekonrad@ulv.edu.